If God went to all the effort to quicken us together with Jesus, to raise us
together with Jesus, to sit us together with Jesus, to frame us together with
Jesus, and to build us together with His family; maybe we ought to consider
ourselves “privileged.” Boy, is that an understatement! Thanks be to God
for togetherness with Jesus Christ.
Top
(July 12, 2007)
Both Solomon and the Apostle John penned a considerable portion of scripture.
If we were to choose a verse to summarize Solomon’s writings I believe most
would select Ecc 12:13, and if we were to do the same for the Apostle John’s
writings I believe most would consent to 1John 5:3. Solomon said, Fear God and
keep His commandments; while John said, Love God and keep His commandments.
Were these men saying the same thing, or were they saying something different?
Yes and No, and I believe these two sayings to be a microcosm of the
differences between the New and Old Testaments.
Both the New and Old Testaments command us to fear and love God. David both
feared and loved God, as did the Apostle Paul. The commandment to love God is
embedded in our reverential fear of Him, as is fear embedded in our love for
Him. In many respects, I believe Solomon and John were saying the same thing.
However, I believe the two sayings differ in motive. I trust the following
will explain:
If we can understand the difference in the relationships above, then we’ll
have some insight into the differences between the New and Old Testament. If
we, as saints, can get to the place where we honor our Heavenly Father out of
thanksgiving, hang on - for our lives will never be the same.
Top
(July 19, 2007)
Our state prisons are filled with many kinds of inmates. Some inmates serve
long term sentences, others serve relatively short sentences. Some inmates
have family members serving time, others do not. Some are first timers, others
are repeat offenders. Some are resolved to change their ways, others are
hardened and have no intentions of changing. But the inmate I find most
difficult to relate is the one who finds security behind bars, the one who the
outside scares.
Astonishing to me are some inmates accept imprisonment as a tolerable way of
life. Some inmates have been imprisoned so long, they find security in the
structure of prison life. Prison is not a state of being I ever want to become
accustomed or find comfort. To me, imprisonment is a punishment, a curse to be
avoided, and I can not relate to this mindset.
Let’s talk about a different kind of punishment, the curse found in Is
3:1-5. God said he would take away bread, water, and strong men from
disobedient nations. He said proud children would rule the homes of these
nations, a God imposed penalty.
The majority of American homes are child run homes. Our nation’s children
have never been more arrogant, disrespectful, and egotistical. Astonishingly,
American parents have come to accept proud children as a tolerable way of
life. Some parents, have been imprisoned for so long, they know nothing else.
A child run home is not a state of being I ever want to become accustomed or
find tolerable. To me, a child run home is a penalty, a curse to be avoided,
and I can not relate to this mindset.
The inmate who tolerates prison life, who becomes comfortable with jail
puzzles many of us. But the parent who tolerates disrespectful children, who
accepts a child run home puzzles very few of us. God designed children to be a
blessing, not a curse - Ps 127:3-5. May God help the parents of our nation
recognize this curse and repent.
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(July 26, 2007)
Earlier this week I took my fourteen and
fifteen year old sons shopping for pants; a chore my wife had assumed for years.
My sons are challenging to shop for; too small for men’s clothing and too large
for boy’s clothing - so I accepted the assignment.
As we sorted through a rack of pants in
the boy’s department I noticed two thirds of the pants had an H next to the size
number. I thought, “What’s an H?” Turns out the H stands for Husky. As we sorted
through the men’s clothing I found a different kind of designation: classic,
relaxed fit, and loose. Funny, I remember a day when my only choices were
regular and slim. My have things changed.
I wondered if they pulled the same
tomfoolery on women’s clothing. Behind me was a rack of pantyhose. I looked and
found: petite, regular, and statuesque. This “relaxed fit” sized preacher
thought, what’ll they think of next.
Not long ago I attended a high school baseball game in which
a member of the church I pastor was pitching. The HS field was part of a
sports complex. As I walked toward the HS diamond i passed by a little
league field. A game was being played and the players couldn't have been
more that 8 or 9 years old. The ballplayer's sizes caught my eye, for the
majority of them were considerably overweight. These little guys needed a
rest after running from first to second base. I wondered, what'll they
look like in 20 years.
We live in such a politically correct era, nothing is ever
identified for what it truly is. Are we doing a person a favor when we
tell them they are husky, statuesque or weight challenged? Believe me, I'm
not for hurting feelings or insulting, but if lies ignore long term dangers,
then I am for telling the truth in love.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful - Prov 27:6. America, we are
grossly overweight! God commands moderation.
Top
Everything In Its Proper Place
(August 2, 2007)
Fire, in its proper place is very profitable.
In a hearth, fire warms a home. In an oven, fire cooks a meal. In a foundry,
fire forges tools. But in one’s lap; fire injures, maims, scars, and
destroys.
Solomon used this analogy to address sexual attraction and desire. In
marriage, this attraction is very good. In the wedding bed, the desire is
good. But outside of marriage; the desire injures, maims, scars, and
destroys.
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and
the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. Can a man take fire in his
bosom and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals and his feet
not be burned? - Prov 6:26-28.
The advice given above was intended to warn a son about whorish women, but
the principle can certainly be used to teach daughters about whorish men.
This warning is found throughout scripture.
> Paul said, Flee fornication. Paul told the Corinthians
fire burns and to maintain a safe distance (the further the better) - 1Cor
6:18. > Peter said, Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war
against the soul. Not only did Peter warn against the act, but against
thinking of the act - 2Pet 2:11.
> Solomon’s exhortation in the 6th chapter of Proverbs
was not his only instruction on the matter. Chapters 2, 5, & 7 of
Proverbs are full of such warnings.
But Solomon was not a prude. Don’t forget, he wrote The Songs of
Solomon. This book is a love story between a husband and wife.
This book is an instruction manual of how to seduce a spouse. May the
Lord help us use fire properly.
Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whore-mongers
and adulterers God will judge - Heb 13:4.
Top
(August 9, 2007)
To substitute a word for something it is closely
associated is a figure of speech called a metonymy. Using the White House to
refer to our president is one such example. Christians commonly use metonymies,
especially when referring to eternal salvation.
Metonymies used in reference to Jesus Christ’s atoning work include: the
place (Golgotha), the punishment (crucifixion), the wounds (his stripes), and
the vehicle (the cross). We often say, “We are saved by the cross,” but in
reality, we are saved by Jesus’ blood shed on the cross.
Scripture uses another metonymy to describe the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
The phrase “the faith of Jesus Christ” is used to describe Jesus’
obedience. Scripture says we have:
* remission of sin
because of Jesus’ obedience - Eph 1:7, Col 1:14;
* peace with God because of Jesus’ obedience - Rom 5:1-2, Eph
2:3-5, 3:12;
* a heavenly inheritance because of Jesus’ obedience - Act 26:18,
Gal 4:7;
* sanctification because of Jesus’ obedience - Act 15:9, Heb
10:14, 1Cor 1:30;
* triumph because of Jesus’ obedience - 1Jo 5:4-5, John 16:33,
1Cor 15:57;
* justification because of Jesus’ obedience - Rom 3:28, 5:9, Gal
3:24, Is 53:11;
* eternal life because of Jesus’ obedience - John 5:24, 1Jo
5:11-12; and
* sonship because of Jesus’ obedience - Gal 3:26, Eph 1:5.
If
our faith, in any way is involved in our eternal salvation, then our
eternal destiny is only as sure as our ability to believe. Our justification,
reconcilement, sonship, inheritance, remission of sins, and eternal life is as
imperfect as our faith. However, if the faith of Christ is taken to mean
Jesus’ perfect and obedient life; then our eternal salvation is perfect,
pure, sure, unchangeable, complete, certain, and finished - Gal 2:16, Php 3:9.
Praise the Lord, for thus is the case!
Top
(August 16, 2007)
The First Covenant had ordinances of divine service, but Jesus replaced the
First Covenant with a Second Covenant - Heb 9:1, 10:9. Let’s consider both
sets of ordinances.
Old Testament ordinances pointed forward. O.T. meats, drinks, washings, and
sacrifices were pictures. Scripture called these ordinances figures, patterns,
shadows, and images of heavenly things to come - Heb 9:9, 9:23, 10:1. But
scripture also said these ordinances were discontinued, until the reformation,
and fulfilled when Jesus approached God - Heb 8:13, 9:10, 9:24.
New Testament ordinances point backwards. N.T. bread, wine, and baptism point to
things which have happened - 1Cor 11:1-2. These ordinances tell of a New
Testament, of a new time in His kingdom - Matt 26:26-29. Scripture says these
ordinances were set up to memorialize the gospel: His broken body, His shed
blood, His death, burial, and resurrection - 1Cor 11:24, 25, 33; Rom 6:4-5.
Interestingly,
> Jesus preached the gospel to Peter, and Peter refused it. Jesus told
Peter, who was unable to get his arms around the Jesus’ sacrifice, humbly
serve - Mark 8:31-35.
> Jesus preached the gospel to the apostles, and they understood not.
Jesus told them, who were unable to get their arms around Jesus’ sacrifice,
humbly serve - Mark 9:31-35.
> Jesus preached the gospel to James and John, and they misconstrued
it. Jesus told them, who were unable to get their arms around Jesus’
sacrifice, humbly serve - Mark 10:33-45.
> John penned the gospel. I doubt I have my arms around all that Jesus
accomplished on the cross. Some knowledge, yes; complete knowledge, no. John
asks us to exhibit our gratitude with humble service - 1John 4:10-11.
My conclusion to the matter: Humble service could be the most effective
ordinance of all.
Top
(August 23, 2007)
The Bible describes faith as a:
- work - 1Th 1:3
- righteousness
- Gal 5:5
- evidence - Heb 11:1
- fruit - Gal 5:22
- breastplate - 1Th 5:8
- shield - Eph 6:16
- gift - 1Cor 12:1, 13:2
- mystery - 1Tim 3:9
- door - Act 14:27
- understanding - Heb 11:3
- service - Php 2:17
- indwelling - 1Cor 13:13
- 1st & 2nd descriptions:
Does our faith save us eternally? The work and righteousness
descriptions make me think not, for eternal salvation is neither by a
man’s works or his righteousness.
- 3rd & 4th descriptions: Is
our faith a conduit of eternal salvation? The fruit and evidence
descriptions make me think not, for both are the result of something which
has already occurred.
- 5th & 6th descriptions:
Does our faith save us in an earthly sense? The shield and breastplate
descriptions make think so, for both pieces protect us from earthly dangers.
- 7th & 8th descriptions: Is
our faith a condition of eternal salvation? The gift and mystery
descriptions make me think not, for if conditions existed eternal salvation
would neither be a gift or a mystery.
- 9th & 10th descriptions:
Does our faith provide knowledge of eternal salvation? The door
and understanding descriptions make me think so, for both
access assurance.
- 11th & 12th descriptions:
Can faith refer to something other than believing, accepting, or trusting
Jesus? The service and indwelling descriptions
make me think so, for both are non-mental activities.
Summarizing our observations
: Our faith doesn’t
cause eternal salvation, but brings it to light. Our faith doesn’t aid eternal
salvation, but is its consequence. Our faith assures and protects us here on
earth.
Top
(August 30, 2007)
. . . how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
them that ask Him? - Luke 11:13
The Lord promised to give the Holy Spirit to all who ask Him. Notice, the
asker is already a regenerate child, for the unregenerate is incapable of
asking for good things - Rom 3:11, 1Cor 2:14. The Holy Ghost performs many
functions above and beyond that of regeneration - Titus 3:5. Consider
functions the Holy Ghost performed and are recorded in the New Testament.
The Holy Ghost was/is:
The inspirer of David's words - Act 1:16;
| The inspirer of David’s words -
Act 1:16; |
|
| The inspirer of Isaiah’s words -
Act 28:25; |
|
| The inspirer of scripture - 2Pet
1:21; |
|
| The filler of a fetus - Luke
1:15; |
|
| The filler of a woman - Luke
1:41; |
|
| The filler of a man - Luke 1:67; |
|
| The filler of our Lord and
Savior - Luke 4:1; |
|
| The decider of preaching tandems
- Act 13:2; |
|
| The decider of preached sermons
- Act 15:28; |
|
| The decider of preaching
appointments - Act 16:6; |
|
| The administrator of a
conception - Matt 1:18-20; |
|
| The administrator of a baptism -
1Cor 12:13; |
|
| The medium of a baptism - Matt
3:11; |
|
| The medium of an anointing - Act
10:38, Luke 3:22; |
|
| The recaller of events - John
14:26; |
|
| The foreteller of events - Act
21:11; |
|
| The intercessor of men (thru
prayer) - Rom 8:26; |
|
| The comforter of the church -
John 14:26; and |
|
| The source of peace and joy -
John 20:22. |
|
Impressed with the above resume? I am, and the Holy Ghost is
available to each and every child of God 24-7. If this resource is so
accessible, why do we use it so sparingly? Do we think we will wear it out? or
that we’ve been given a limited supply? or that the promise was limited to
church gatherings? No, the promise was to you and I, to use as much and as often
as we wish. I dare you - try to wear it out.
Top
(September 6, 2007)
No doubt all kinds of thoughts raced through the reader’s mind as he/she
read the above title, but politics is the last thing on this writer’s mind.
The word liberal has undergone a considerable change in meaning since the
writing of the KJV. Let’s see if the reader can figure out the Bible’s
definition with the following illustrations:
- Tabitha (Dorcas) was a liberal - Act 9:39, while Nabal was a conservative
- 1Sam 25:3-11.
- Abraham acted liberally - Gen 13:8-9, when Lot acted a conservatively -
Gen 13:10-11.
- Virtuous women are liberal - Prov 31:12-27, Sodom women were conservative
- Ezek 16:49.
- Paul behaved liberally - Php 1:21-24, but Jonah behaved conservatively -
Jonah 4:1-3.
Scripture consistently uses liberal to describe a generous, free giving,
openhearted person - 2Cor 9:13, Jam 1:5. Determining one’s party affiliation
is an exercise described often in God’s word.
“You need money to make money” is a saying as old as the hills. But “One
must give in order to have” is a saying older than the hills, for God spoke
it - Ps 112:9, Prov 11:24-25, 2Cor 9:6-7.
Money is only one measuring stick used to determine whether one is liberal or
not. Non-financial measuring sticks include physical appearance, pride,
attentiveness, and openness - Deut 32:15, Prov 6:16-19, 21:13, Mic 3:2-4, Luke
6:33-35. May the Lord pack our churches with liberals, bless our children to
find liberal spouses, and help each of us become more liberal.
Top
(September 13, 2007)
I accepted a job with a bank after college graduation. Five years later I was
given my first opportunity to speak before senior management. I was excited
and nervous. Before the presentation, my boss asked to see a dry run. When I
finished, he took a red pen and wrote K.I.S.S. across my notes. I responded,
“But this is senior management. They manage billions of dollars, over a
thousand employees, and have shiny pedigrees. My boss said, “Keep it simple,
stupid.”
The Lord must adhere to a similar version of this principle. His could be KISfS,
Keep it simple for stupid (that’d be me). As a new Christian I fumbled
all over the five and six syllable words: justification, sanctification,
propitiation, reconciliation, glorification … As a pastor, my understanding
has increased some, but I am still thankful for the simple, every day words the
Lord used to explain salvation. To me, the good news is:
- My sins have been purged - Heb 1:3. Every sin? Completely gone?
Yep.
- I obtained eternal redemption - Heb 9:12. No Indian giving? No
losing it? Nope.
- My sins are put away - Heb 9:26. All of ‘em? Yep.
- My transgressions are removed - Ps 103:12. No stragglers
overlooked? Nope.
- I am perfected forever - Heb 10:14. Complete perfection? 100%? Yep.
- My sins are forgiven - Eph 1:7. No faded memories? No flashbacks?
Nope.
- He abolished the enmity - Eph 2:15. Completely annihilated it?
Every particle? Yep.
- I was made nigh unto God - Eph 2:13. Legally, I can’t get any
closer than I am now? Nope.
- I have been washed - Rev 1:5. No ring around the collar? Ink marks
too? Yep.
- He redeemed me - Rev 5:9. No unpaid balances, ? bounced checks, or
recalls? Nope.
- He purchased me - Act 20:28. Payment in full? Lien-free? Yep.
Those are words I understand. I am so glad He kept it simple for me. Thank you
Jesus.
Top
(September 20, 2007)
The Prophet Elijah and King Ahab had, for lack of better words, a strained
relationship. Ahab reacted in one of two manners each time Elijah’s
silhouette appeared on the horizon, either he ducked for cover or summoned his
guards. Not exactly bosom buddies? - 1Ki 17 through 2Ki 1.
Often times Elijah was the bearer of bad news, but interestingly, Elijah bore
good tidings a time or two. Why did Ahab react so defensively toward Elijah? I
suspect Ahab had either a guilty conscience or a selective memory.
A minister who preaches the whole counsel of God can receive similar reactions
from his congregation. How selective is your memory? Allow me to test my own
congregation. What messages over the past few months come to mind? Listed
below are the topics of the last 10 sermons. Before reading the list, close
your eyes and bring the last 10 sermons to memory. Ok, here they are:
How did you do? No doubt most remembered Election, for this message was
delivered only a few days ago. But if I had to guess, Divorce and Sexual
Purity were at the top of the list. Those messages were the hardest for this
preacher to deliver and the messages the congregation reacted most soberly.
Does a prophet who delivers only good news honor God? No. Does a preacher
who preaches only eternal salvation honor God? No - 1Tim 4:13, 2Tim 4:2, Tit
2:15. Children of God need balanced diets. They need vegetables on their
plate. May the Lord Help us to be thankful for meat, bread, and vegetables.
Top
(September 27, 2007)
Imagine a man with information that could save the lives of an entire town.
Suppose this man viewed a satellite picture of a tsunami or a category 5
hurricane, and he warned the people their town will be leveled in 12 hours, but
they mocked him. He warned his family and they too mocked him. The man had truth
but all mocked him. One can understand townspeople ignoring a man they knew not
well, but what would cause a family to ignore its patriarch? Lack of credibility
is one reason.
This very scenario played out in the life of a man named Lot - Gen 19:12-14.
Lot was given information that would have saved his family, but his sons
in-law did not take Lot seriously. Lot had truth, but his sons in-law did not
believe him. Why? Credibility was one reason.
Let’s pretend Lot is a guest on the old television show, This is Your
Life.
Gen 13:9-11 - Lot, you acted selfishly and showed Abraham, your benefactor
little respect.
Gen 13:12 - Lot, you pitched your tent toward the city of Sodom.
Gen 14:12 - Lot, you moved within Sodom’s walls.
Gen 19:1 - Lot, you became active in the business of Sodom and sat with its
elders.
Gen 19:5-8 - Lot, you were willing to turn two daughters over to a raging
mob.
Gen 19:12-14 - Lot, you were given truth, shared that information, but your
sons in-law ignored your warning.
Lot was a messenger who had lost credibility with his family and therefore,
lost influence.
Cornelius is a man on the other end of the spectrum. Cornelius asked his
family to act out of the norm, to hear Peter, an unlearned Jew.
And they came - Act 10:24. Why did they come? Credibility!
Salvation by grace is good news, it is truth, and it delivers people from
theological bondage. Does credibility hinder our witness? I pray our
credibility is more Cornelius-like and less Lot-like. God help us!
Top
All
Articles
Written by Elder Dolph Painter, Moriah Primitive Baptist Church
pastordolph@aol.com
This site created by Steve McCannon.
This page last
updated 07/18/2008
